Walking football continues to bring joy, friendships, and unforgettable moments across Scotland. From milestone birthdays to heartfelt tributes, here are some of the latest highlights:
Birthday Celebrations in Largs!
It was a special day in Largs as the club’s oldest player, Jimmy Brown, celebrated his 87th birthday in style – by playing a full match of walking football.
Jimmy’s testimonial took place on the artificial grass pitch at Inverclyde Sports Centre, with his team securing a narrow 4-3 victory. In recent years, Jimmy has often taken the whistle, refereeing the club’s twice-weekly sessions that bring together players mainly in their 60s and 70s.
His footballing story stretches back decades – Jimmy was part of the 1969 World Cup squad for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and also played senior football in South Africa.
The birthday celebrations didn’t stop there, with the club also enjoying their annual Rothesay trip and marking the milestone with a big birthday cake in the sports centre café. A day to remember for a true walking football legend!
Friendly Smiles All Round
The spirit of walking football was on full display as the Falkirk Foundation welcomed Stirling Albion for a friendly match bursting with energy, laughter, and good sportsmanship.
While both teams showed skill and determination on the pitch, the real highlight was the friendships and camaraderie shared throughout. Players encouraged one another and enjoyed a competitive yet light-hearted game that reflected the very best of the sport.
After the final whistle, handshakes, smiles, and warm conversations continued off the pitch, proving once again that walking football is about so much more than goals – it’s about connection, community, and fun.
Hibs Parkinson’s Group Host North West Warriors
The Hibs Walking Football Parkinson’s group were delighted to welcome the North West Warriors from England for a friendly match.
Both sides thoroughly enjoyed the chance to play against one another, but just as importantly, they also embraced the many social benefits these cross-border experiences bring. Football, friendship, and community spirit once again proved to be a winning combination.
Festival Football in Annan
Down in Annan, another brilliant walking football festival was held, welcoming teams from Gretna, Carlisle, and Workington.
The event was also a chance to pay tribute to Alan Little, a stalwart of the game who sadly lost his battle with Parkinson’s. Alan’s wife and family were present to receive a special gift in his memory, ensuring his contribution to the walking football community will never be forgotten.
Aberdeen Strikers Try Something New
The Aberdeen Strikers had a different experience at a recent session, taking part in a muscle-strengthening circuit before their usual walking football games.
With expert guidance from Ashley Armstrong, players enjoyed the chance to add something new to their routine, improving strength and fitness while still keeping the focus on fun and participation. A brilliant example of how walking football can be adapted to support overall health and wellbeing.
Stirling Albion Parkinson’s Group Growing Strong
The Stirling Albion Parkinson’s group were delighted to receive their latest t-shirts from Parkinson’s UK, giving the players a fresh new look as they continue to grow in numbers.
It’s been fantastic to see not only the sessions themselves flourish, but also the support that carers and family members receive as part of the wider group. A shining example of football creating positive impact both on and off the pitch.
Remembering Robert Mullen
GSC Auldhouse hosted a special walking football tournament in memory of Robert Mullen (31 March 1970 – 8 November 2024), a much-loved former player who sadly passed away last year.
Friends, teammates, and members of the wider GSC Family came together on the pitch to celebrate Robert’s life, his love of the game, and the friendships he built through walking football.
It was a day of football, reflection, and togetherness – a fitting tribute to a man who will always be Gone But Not Forgotten.
Gretna Lift the Cumberland Marsh & Quay Cup
Congratulations to Gretna Walking Football, who enjoyed a brilliant day south of the border by winning the Cumberland Marsh & Quay Cup.
After some competitive matches throughout the tournament, Gretna faced Workington in the final and produced a superb performance to take home the silverware.
A fantastic achievement for the team, and another proud moment for Scottish walking football on the wider stage. Well done, Gretna!
Morton Shine at the Armando Football Festival
The Morton walking footballers from the Inverkip Hub took part in the inaugural Armando Football Festival, marking a fantastic occasion both on and off the pitch.
With great play and teamwork from all the players, excellent refereeing, and superb organisation by Finlay, the day was a resounding success. Even better, the festival raised over £500 for the British Heart Foundation and Heart Research UK.
A brilliant first edition of what promises to be a special annual event. Well done to everyone involved!
Success in Europe 🇵🇹🏆
Some of our Scottish clubs have been flying the flag abroad with great success at the Algarve Walking Football Tournament at the Browns Sports Resort in Vilamoura.
Ayr United O60s were crowned Algarve Cup winners after a fantastic run of results.
Forfar Walking Football scooped the O50’s Algarve Cup, showing their quality on the international stage.
And adding to the celebrations, Ayr Utd O50’s also picked up the much-loved Wooden Prize, ensuring plenty of smiles all round.
A brilliant achievement for all involved!
Carnoustie Panmure Welcome Stenhousemuir
Carnoustie Panmure enjoyed a fantastic day of walking football and friendship as they welcomed a return visit from Stenhousemuir and the Sunday Sesh lads.
The afternoon kicked off with mixed teams in the first half and then club sides in the second, all played in the true ethos of walking football – with no scores kept.
After the games, everyone came together for some well-earned hospitality – with a Killie pie and homemade treats taking centre stage!
Tay City Strollers Cup Success
The inaugural Tay City Strollers Walking Football Cup was held in Perth, bringing together men’s O50s and women’s O40s competitions for a fantastic day of football.
It was a brilliant occasion, with Linlithgow Rose coming out on top in both the men’s and women’s events to lift the trophies.
What made the day even more special was the chance for the men’s and women’s teams to play one after the other, allowing them to support each other from the sidelines.
A big shout out goes to all the participating teams – St James, Midlothian, Jeanfield Swifts, Stenhousemuir, Oriam, Crieff, Dunfermline Athletic, Scone, Luncarty and of course, the hosts Tay City Strollers – for making it such a memorable tournament.
The day highlighted exactly what makes walking football so great: camaraderie and community spirit. Well done to everyone involved!
Looking Ahead
From birthdays and festivals to memorials, European triumphs, and friendly afternoons filled with pies and sunshine, these stories show that walking football is about so much more than the game itself. It builds friendships, connections, and communities that last a lifetime.
Walking football in Scotland is thriving – and long may it continue to inspire, include, and bring people together through the beautiful game. ⚽👏